LGBT Singles: Perfect Getaway Plan to Palm Springs Area

There are plenty of options to go here, shop there, and never get bored or tired

One of the greatest gifts the Greater Palm Springs Area has to offer is variety.

Go here, shop there, and never get bored or tired. Visitors to the Coachella Valley often opt to play it by ear when it comes to planning their vacations. However, for those who court exclusivity, or wish to suck the marrow out of each and every day of their vacations, take your cues from our curated list of favorites.

Stay

LGBT singles of all ages look for fun, chic accommodations in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. When traveling to Palm Springs alone or with other singles, it’s best to stay in a hotel that supports fun and frivolity.

The Saguaro Hotel (pictured right) is a bastion of social delight. Since 2011, the Sydell Group’s lodging success story has offered accommodations for men, women, and children throughout the peak season and beyond.

Each of its 245 rooms is decorated in modern style, with bright bursts of color that are reminiscent of the pride rainbow. Visitors also converge around the Olympic-sized pool, or in the hot tub for late-night chats and mixers. Celebrity Chef Jose Garces (“Iron Chef America”) opened two famed restaurants in the hotel: Tinto and El Jefe. Both establishments are highly regarded eateries and frequented just as often by locals.

For the LGBT single traveling from Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco, why not give the Parker Palm Springs a try.

This luxurious hotel brims with the style and panache of the Chateau Marmont or the Sir Francis Drake or Le Parker Meridien – its New York-based cousin. The grounds are a hideaway fit for a Hollywood Grand Dame. Manicured lawns, eclectic seating, and ornate topiaries can be seen throughout.

But it’s the rooms with Jonathan Adler-designed décor that truly take your breath away. Lounge until dawn in your king-size bed, or take a dip in the pool as your friends watch from a nearby cabana.

Each lodging package boasts free Wi-fi, a flat-screen TV and mountain views. Feeling fancy? Secure a reservation in any of the opulent suites, or melt away your stress with a secluded stay in the presidential suite. The Riviera is so beloved, that it was voted “Best of the Best Hotel” in 2010 by our reader

Eat

Next, you’ll need to refuel. Eat at any number of spectacular and world-renowned restaurants in the area

For light fare with a glamorous edge, try burgers at Eureka! in Indian Wells (opening in August). This gourmet family restaurant serves fantastic delicacies like king crab cake sliders, or the mouthwatering and sumptuous vodka burger, served with peppers, tomato, onion, prosciutto, garlic, capers and flambéed with vodka. Eureka! burgers are 100 percent vegetarian-fed, and are hormone free. They’ll also grill your sandwich to suit your individual taste.

Wang’s in the Desert (pictured left) is a great stop upon your arrival in town. You’ll meet some of the sexiest and most spirited men and women this community has to offer. Aside from its dynamic Asian cuisine, Wang’s is a hub for the LGBT community to meet and greet, especially for Friday night Happy Hour when the bar area is packed with locals and visitors. Arouse your passions (and taste buds) over a shared plate of spicy beef with baby Bok Choy, or charm your way into a date over sesame-crusted chicken.

If variety is the spice of life, then season your getaway at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Feast on foods from around the world at Potrero Canyon Buffet. Each station offers items from Mexico, China, and more. You’ll love the salad bar with its healthful options. But it’s the cavalcade of desserts that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Things to Do

Entertain yourself in an open and eclectic environment by heading to Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa. Take in live entertainment at The Show. This grand venue showcases everything from comedians like Kathy Griffin and Daniel Tosh to psychic Sylvia Brown. Music lovers enjoyed past shows by the Judds as well as the revival of MC Hammer.

Order a massage at SpaTerre located in Riviera Palm Springs Resort and Spa. Converse with other travelers during your Royal Wrap treatment, which bathes your skin in luscious royal jelly. Or harness the sex appeal of Marilyn Monroe with the Marilyn in Silk Body Wrap. After your day-spa adventure, spend your evening dancing the night away in the Starlite Lounge, or relaxing poolside at the Bikini and Chiki Bars (pictured above, right).

The intimacy of regional theater is melded with Broadway’s finest productions at Palm Canyon Theatre. Located in downtown Palm Springs, this company continues to dazzle with its lively and superb 2013-2014 schedule, which starts in October with The Sound of Music. Laugh at the comedy of Avenue Q (Nov. 8-17), and Shrek (Dec. 6-22). Or grip your armrest while watching the drama unfold during A Streetcar Named Desire (May 16-18 2014).

Shopping & Souvenirs

Singles visiting the area will want to spend all their free time enjoying their vacation, not looking for this store or that store. For shopping made easy, head to Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Find your favorite brands like Diesel, Gucci, and Versace, and True Religion – all within walking distance of each other.